Students in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade working with a partner are writing plays based of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle Books. These books are filled with short stories where Mrs. Piggle Wiggle cures children from tattletaleitis, being a cry baby, and even destructiveness. Each pair of students picked one of the stories and they are putting their own Read More >>
Reconstruction, Part 2
Students in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade were each assigned a specific historical character that had an impact during reconstruction after the Civil War. They are researching different topics and finding out their characters point of view on topics such as State Rights, Federal Rights, Education, and the Impeachment of Andrew Johnson. As the students Read More >>
Reconstruction
The older students are part of a Reconstruction unit. First students considered What is history? Who cares? Why study it?” This led us to the Declaration of Independence and a discussion of why and when it was written. What is “Freedom.” What can and should a person own? We then watched part of Lincoln, a Read More >>
Experimental Design
At the end of last year, we started a unit on Experimental Design. Students had to “save fred” a gummy worm from drowning by only using paperclips. Students had to write down their procedure and then have another group try and follow it word for word. After a few attempts and notes from peers, students Read More >>
Infectious Diseases
Over the past couple weeks the older students have been studying infectious diseases. Thus far they have completed two hands on experiments. In one experiment they simulated spreading the common cold among students in the room and they experienced first hand how quickly an infectious disease could spread. In the second experiment they learned the role Read More >>
Are Lyrics to a Song Poetry?
The seven oldest students are taking part in a poetry class, which was inspired by Bob Dylan’s recent nomination for the Nobel Prize for Literature. We started the discussion discussing the difference between a poet and a lyricist. It was interesting that all but one student didn’t feel that Bob Dylan deserved the award. They Read More >>
Democratic Party Platform
The older students welcomed Lisa Sacco, Democratic delegate and Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter to The New School. She came to answer tough questions from our students about the Democratic platform. We discovered that Lisa is a Mohawk and was a designated Native American delegate to the Democratic convention this summer.
Republican Party Platform
The older students welcomed Tom Dadey, Chairman of the local Republican party to The New School. He came to answer tough questions from the children about immigration, family values, and military spending after they had read sections of the Republican platform.
Voter Registration Drive
The five oldest students volunteered to help the League of Women Voters in a voter registration drive at the downtown Centro bus hub. After a brief orientation, the children clutching clip boards, registration forms, buttons, and voter registration identification badges were encouraged to approach individuals waiting for a bus and ask them, “Are you Read More >>
Party Platform – Libertarian Party
On Thursday, September 22 we welcomed Libertarian Party member, Michael Beshara to The New School. For half an hour the students asked questions and learned how the Libertarian Party stands on many different issues. Next week we will welcome a visit from a representative of the Democratic Party and finally the Republican Party. After all Read More >>